Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
Custer, SD
A 29 km loop road through grassland and pine hills with one of the largest public bison herds in the country, plus pronghorn and the begging burros. Drive it early or late in the day; a park pass is required.
The Wildlife Loop is a scenic road through Custer State Park, running in a U-shape across open grassland and pine-covered hills. It is about 29 km (18 miles) long; with additional park roads you can extend the drive to roughly 48 km (30 miles). Along the way you may see bison (the herd is reported at 1,300 to 1,400 animals, as of October 2026), pronghorn, deer, elk, prairie dogs and free-roaming wild burros.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the Wildlife Loop, and considerably more if you stop. Wildlife sightings tend to be most likely early in the morning and toward evening. Stay in your vehicle around the bison, as they are faster and more dangerous than they look. To enter the park you need a South Dakota State Park Entrance License or a temporary Custer State Park pass, available online or at the entrance stations. The road is open year-round.
- Nearest town
- Custer, SD
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.7598, -103.3700
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Custer's Gulch RV Park and CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Custer State Park Wildlife LoopTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Elk Mountain CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Custer State Park Wildlife Loop · 48 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Happy Holidays RV ResortMotorhome stopover17 mi from Custer State Park Wildlife Loop · 100 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Black Hills RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Custer State Park Wildlife LoopMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Rapid City RV Park & CampgroundMotorhome stopover21 mi from Custer State Park Wildlife LoopMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Rapid City - Black Hills KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover24 mi from Custer State Park Wildlife LoopTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in South Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Custer State Park Wildlife Loop?
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop is in Custer, SD, at GPS 43.7598, -103.3700. It is about 9 mi from Mount Rushmore.
Can you camp near Custer State Park Wildlife Loop?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Game Lodge Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 56 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Custer State Park Wildlife Loop?
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern Black Hills: Crazy Horse, the Needles and Wind Cave.
What is there to see near Custer State Park Wildlife Loop?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Rushmore National Memorial (9 mi), Needles Highway and Needles Eye Tunnel (10 mi), Sylvan Lake (11 mi) and Crazy Horse Memorial (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Custer State Park Wildlife Loop?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)